Oman: Sahala platform for institutional quarantine bookings in operation tomorrow
Bookings were currently being done by agents of Destination Management Companies
Muscat: All bookings for institutional quarantine made after 2pm tomorrow in Oman will have to be done through the Sahala platform, run by the government.
It was also made clear that that the hotel bookings can be done prior to March 29 for arrival into Oman on a later date. Representatives of leading Destination Management Companies (DMC) confirmed that there has been a surge over the past couple of days for hotel bookings effected through them.
“It is a hassle-free package that you get from DMCs that give you most of what you need in one stop, with clear-cut rules on refund policy if the trip gets cancelled. At a time like this, a penny saved is a pound earned, and everyone is mindful of this.” said Sandeep Bhatacharya, whose son is currently on institutional quarantine in Muscat having returned from Europe.
Varying rates
As of now most of the bookings are done by agents DMCs who offer a range of services-based rates. The minimum that one will have to cough up for a 7-day quarantine is in the region of RO 130. The rate varies depending on the hotel chosen and its star ratings, as well as the additional services opted for the rate vary.
To make the package worth its value, most of the DMCs have added airport pickup, eighth day PCR test and monitoring-band removal, and COVID inclusive health insurance as part of the package.
Last week, Oman’s Minister of Health issued a stern warning to hotels not ensuring the COVID-19 protocols among the guests. Permits to offer quarantine package were taken away from some hotels which flouted the rules. The move to do the hotel bookings through the official government platform also ensures that everyone abides by the quarantine rules.